CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — A former teacher assistant with Chesapeake Public Schools has been arrested following alleged inappropriate behavior involving an underage student.

According to police, Antonio Howell, 35, was arrested on June 15 and charged with multiple felonies, including solicitation of a minor and solicitation for child pornography.

On June 28, Howell had his bond hearing and received a $20,000 secure bond. He is out on bond and is not allowed to have any contact with the victim.

The mother of the minor reached out to Chesapeake Police on May 24 to inform them that her son was contacted by Howell for sexual photos and favors. She said Howell was aware that her son was a minor because they had been family friends for 10 years according to the criminal complaint.

Police have conducted a forensic analysis of the phone.

Officials with Chesapeake Public Schools have confirmed Howell is no longer employed at Western Branch High School. He was a teacher assistant from September 2008 to May 2021.

He was originally placed on administrative leave when school administrators first learned of the inappropriate relationship.

No word on his next court appearance.

Stay with WAVY News 10 for the latest on this breaking news story.